Clavicle Fracture

Clavicle Fracture web based movie

Clavicle fracture, also called broken collarbone is a very common sports injury seen in people who are involved in contact sports such as football and martial arts as well as impact sports such as motor racing. A direct blow over the shoulder that may occur during a fall on an outstretched arm or a motor vehicle accident may cause the clavicle bone to break. Broken clavicle may cause difficulty in lifting your arm because of pain, swelling and bruising over the bone.

Broken clavicle bone, usually heals without surgery, but if the bone ends have shifted out of place (displaced) surgery will be recommended. Surgery is performed to align the bone ends and hold them stable during healing. This improves the shoulder strength. Surgery for the fixation of clavicle fractures may be considered in the following circumstances:

During this surgical procedure, your surgeon will reposition the broken bone ends into normal position and then uses special screws or metal plates to hold the bone fragments in place. These plates and screws are usually left in the bone. If they cause any irritation, they can be removed after fracture healing is complete.

Pins

Placement of pins may also be considered to hold the fracture in position and the incision required is also smaller. They often cause irritation in the skin at the site of insertion and have to be removed once the fracture heals.

Complications

Patients with diabetes, the elderly individuals and people who make use of tobacco products are at a greater risk of developing complications both during and after the surgery. In addition to the risks that occur with any major surgery, certain specific risks of clavicle fracture surgery include difficulty in bone healing, lung injury and irritation caused by hardware.

Percutaneous elastic intramedullary nailing of the clavicle is a newer and less invasive procedure with lesser complications. It is considered as a safe method for fixation of displaced clavicle fractures in adolescents and athletes as it allows rapid healing and faster return to sports. The procedure is performed under fluoroscopic guidance. It involves a small 1 cm skin incision near the sternoclavicular joint, and then a hole is drilled in the anterior cortex after which an elastic nail is inserted into the medullary canal of the clavicle. Then the nail is passed on to reach the fracture site. A second operation to remove the nail will be performed after 2-3 months.

MeetCharles V. Toman, MD

Board Certified, Fellowship Trained Orthopedic Surgeon

I am 16 weeks post-op from my rotator cuff surgery by Dr. Toman and am very pleased with the outcome. I never once felt that I was in “assembly line surgery” but rather in the care of a dedicated compassionate surgeon from my initial visit through rehab. Charlotte County is very fortunate to have an […]

My first occasion to hear of Doctor Toman was on talk radio 1580AM. He was giving an interview on a less invasive procedure for knee replacement. I called a friend in New Hampshire who asked if I knew of an orthopedic doctor here in Punta Gorda to replace both of his knee joints. Next my […]

I just want to thank Dr. Toman for the new knee he installed in my right leg. You might not believe this but, 11 days after the operation I played 18 holes of golf at St. Andrews South in Punta Gorda. The next day I played 9 holes too. I swear it’s true. I have […]

I am almost 82 years old and have been suffering night and day with my left shoulder for 5 and a half years. Two weeks after Dr. Toman did my reverse shoulder replacement I was able to lift my arm over my head without any pain and no pain medication. For me this doctor is […]

I would like to first start off by saying that Dr. Toman is an awesome Surgeon.I went to see him for the pain I was having in my right elbow. After having an MRI done he diagnosed me with a torn tendon and decided to “Scope” my elbow. So on May 13th 2010 Dr. Toman […]

Dr. Charles Toman demonstrated his professionalism and dedication in caring for my broken wrist which healed very quickly and nicely. Just a note of thanks for all his attention and I wish him well in his continuing endeavors. Thanks again Dr. Toman.

Dr Toman gave me back my life in March of 2010. Dr. Toman performed Hip Scope surgery on my right hip, and literally has given me back the ability to do everyday things. Before my surgery I could not walk with out pain or sit for any length of time without getting extremely stiff in […]

Hello, My wife and I have both had surguries performed by Dr Toman, she with hip and knee and I with rotator cuff, each done authoscopically. We are very pleased with the outcomes as we are having quick recoveries. Physical Therapy has been going well next door at SOS Therapy with the Martins. Everyone has […]

It is without hesitation that I highly recommend Dr. Toman and his exceptional support staff to anyone in need of an orthopedic procedure. During the initial office visit he instilled confidence that surgery to repair my rotator cuff followed by occupational and physical therapies would produce positive results thereby alleviating the tremendous pain I had […]

Before my surgery, the catch of this great 35-inch grouper would not have been possible. Reeling in such a fish was difficult, not to mention lifing it for a photo. Now, because of the great repair to my torn rotator cuff done by Dr. Toman, not only can I go back to fishing and catching […]

Dr.Toman did a total knee for me in may.i feel so much better since,you can’t imagine! It’s going to take time for a full recovery,but i am well satisfied with the surgery.Everyone is amazed how fast I’ve come along and how small the scar is.Thank you vary much doc,i really appreciate it.

I would like to thank Dr. Toman and his staff for the excellent service I received before and after my rotator cuff surgery. It has been six months since the surgery and I am able to do everything I did before the injury and with no pain.

I had a hip scope procedure in April 2010 by Dr. Toman. After a few weeks of physical therapy with the Martins I was able to return to my normal activities. The entire recovery time was less than anticipated & the results have been great. It is so nice to be pain free and able […]

As a retired state trooper, and active sports official, I was experiencing severe pain in my shoulder joint that was interrupting my sleep and causing major discomfort. On the recommendation of another doctor I was seeing, I set up a consultation with Dr. Toman. It was agreed that a total shoulder replacement was necessary due […]

Dr.Charles Toman replaced my left knee in October of 2010. In 5 days I was walking, doing my outpatient rehabilitation and exercising. My 90 year old Aunt also had her knee replaced and she was walking, after just one week, to my house (which is about a block away) I can’t thank Doctor Toman enough, […]

Dr. Toman did a complete knee replacement on me in November of 2010. I was only in the hospital 3 days and at the end of 2 weeks I was in out patient therapy. Dr. Toman’s outstanding skill as a surgeon and advance technology had me up and moving well within 6 weeks. His professional […]

In the middle of July 2010 I had an unfortunate fall which resulted in the dislocation of my right shoulder. I was taken to the Portsmouth, NH Hospital where the shoulder was reset. About 12 weeks later the shoulder was still very uncomfortable and it was decided to have further x-rays and MRI which revealed […]

On Feb. 8, 2011 Dr. Toman performed a right total shoulder replacement and muscle re-attachment on me. I was 70/1/2 at the time. His skill was obvious by my recovery time. Ten weeks after surgery I was released from physical therapy. After my surgery Dr. Toman took my wife and son from the waiting room […]

It is one of the best decisions I have made. My shoulder was bothering me to the point that I had trouble sleeping and raising my arm. My wife kept after me to see a doctor. From my first visit with D.Toman, I knew that I had made the correct decision. He lets you know […]

Dr. Toman replaced my left shoulder at Fawcett Memorial Hospital at the beginning of April. I highly recommend Dr. Toman. There has been no pain throughout the procedure and my recovery. Home health care was arranged including physical therapy. Outpatient PT was started after 4 weeks and will be continued during my stay up north. […]